India's billionaire landscape is constantly evolving, marked by both extravagant displays of wealth and significant contributions to the nation's economy. From private Boeing jets to sprawling London mansions, here's a glimpse into the fascinating lives of some of India's wealthiest individuals.
Mukesh Ambani's Flying Mansion
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, is known for his penchant for luxury and cutting-edge technology. His recent acquisition of a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 737 Max 9 exemplifies this. The ultra-long-range business jet, the first of its kind to be delivered in India, reportedly cost $150 million after extensive customizations. While the base price of the jet is around $118 million, Ambani invested an additional $30 million on upgrades. The interior was customized in Switzerland, transforming the aircraft into a "flying palace" with luxurious interiors, fixtures, and amenities. The exterior also features a special livery combining white, navy blue, and gold, along with the Reliance Industries logo.
The BBJ 737 Max 9 is not just a symbol of luxury but also a technologically advanced aircraft. Powered by CFM International Leap 1B engines, it offers exceptional performance and an extended range, making long-haul journeys seamless. This addition brings the total number of private jets in Reliance's fleet to ten. Ambani's existing fleet includes an Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) A319, Bombardier Global 5000 and 6000, Dassault Falcon 900EX, Embraer ERJ 135, and Gulfstream G650, along with Dolphin and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters.
According to the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025, Mukesh Ambani and his family have reclaimed the top spot as India's wealthiest, with a net worth of Rs 9.55 lakh crore.
Adar Poonawalla's London Acquisition
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), made headlines with the purchase of Aberconway House, a Mayfair mansion in London, for £138 million (approximately Rs 1,440 crore). The 25,000-square-foot property, located near Hyde Park, is one of the city's most expensive home sales of the year and the second-most expensive ever sold in London.
The five-story, Grade II-listed mansion dates back to the 1920s. While Poonawalla has no plans to relocate to London, the property will serve as a base for the company and family when they are in the UK. This acquisition follows substantial investments in vaccine research and manufacturing facilities near Oxford. In 2021, the Poonawalla family committed £50 million to Oxford University for a new Poonawalla Vaccines Research Building. The Poonawallas had been renting the property for £50,000 a week prior to purchasing it.
India's Growing Billionaire Class
The M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025 highlights the rapid growth of India's billionaire class. The country now boasts over 350 billionaires, a sixfold increase since the list's debut 13 years ago. Their collective wealth amounts to Rs 167 lakh crore, nearly half of India's GDP. Mumbai remains the billionaire hub, with 451 entrants, followed by New Delhi (223) and Bengaluru (116). Pharmaceuticals, industrial products, and chemicals & petrochemicals are the leading sectors.
Self-made individuals continue to drive wealth creation in India, accounting for 66% of the list, while 74% of new entrants built their fortunes from scratch. Aravind Srinivas, 31, of Perplexity, became India's youngest billionaire, with a fortune of Rs 21,190 crore. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan also joined the billionaire club for the first time, with a net worth of Rs 12,490 crore.
While Mukesh Ambani has reclaimed the top spot, Gautam Adani and family follow closely with Rs 8.15 lakh crore. Roshni Nadar Malhotra and family entered the top three for the first time, becoming India's richest woman with a wealth of Rs 2.84 lakh crore. Niraj Bajaj and his family recorded the largest absolute increase in wealth, adding Rs 69,875 crore to reach Rs 2.33 lakh crore.
India ranks third globally for billionaires, with 284 individuals listed in the Hurun Global Rich List 2025, collectively holding Rs 98 trillion.
